Great start for GB Para Equestrian Dressage team

Grade IV rider Sophie Wells got the British Para Equestrian Dressage Team off to a solid start with a stunning mark of 74.31% to win with nearly 4% advantage at the ECCO FEI European Championships in Herning, Denmark.  Riding her own powerful Flemmingh-sired Valerius, she produced a relaxed but powerful test with some moments of bold riding; despite Sophie saying he felt ‘tired’ from the journey to Denmark from her base in Nottinghamshire.

Second was Belgium’s Michele George, Sophie’s main rival in London last year, who finished on 70.5% with Line Kongensgaard a popular third for the home nation with 70.405%.

After her test Sophie remarked;

“He was just a little bit tired but was really listening to me and nothing fazed him.  It’s a really buzzy arena with lots going on so I was happy he how he coped.  Going on day one and early on, it’s difficult to gauge where you are in the competition, especially with the best riders in the competition to come but I’m pleased with the performance. “

Sophie and ‘Reece’ now have a rest day on Thursday and she’s confident he’ll come out for the Individual test refreshed and more confident having had the experience of the arena today.

In the Grade Ib, individual rider Ricky Balshaw embarked on what he’s hoping will be his team comeback when debuting his new ride at Championship level, LJT Enggaards Solitaire.  The Telford rider has been missing from the British squad since the World Championships in 2010 through injury and lack of horse power.  There was much to like about his test with some accurate transitions and impressive trot work and the horse, new to para dressage, coped with the atmosphere admirably.   His score was 73.24% which gave him second behind Austrian rider Pepo Puch on his Paralympic ride, Fine Feeling S.  Third place went to home favourite, Stinna Tange Kaastrup and her new ride, Steffi Graf with 71.24%.

Ricky said;

“I’m really pleased as this is the biggest thing he’s ever done.  It’s only the third ever international show he’s been to in our eight months together and he’s still young too.  There are a few things I can do to find more marks and the coaches have said the same, so we’re on the right page.  I can ask for more now in the next test.  It’s been a rubbish few years; since Beijing really.  I broke my ribs, then my back and it’s been a long search for a horse but ‘Sid’ has taken to me well.    We’re a new combination and I’ll have had him longer in time for the Worlds next year plus he’ll be peaking for Rio – hopefully this is the start of my comeback!”

On Thursday the remaining three grades will be in action with Sophie Christiansen (12.54) and Anne Dunham (13.43) in the Grade Ia and Natasha Baker (17.06) as anchorwoman for the British team in the Grade II (times given are BST).

For more information on the British Equestrian Federation click here.

If you are a disabled person and would like to try equestrian, find out more on the RDA website